Substitute Senate Bill No. 1497, also known as Public Act No. 25-152, amends various agricultural laws in Connecticut to enhance support for farmers and improve regulatory practices. Key provisions include the establishment of the State Veterinarian as an employee of the Department of Agriculture, with the Commissioner of Agriculture empowered to designate other veterinarians as needed. The bill modifies the registration process for fertilizers and soil amendments, capping registration fees at seventy-five dollars and allowing distributors to rely on existing registrations if labels are consistent. Additionally, it introduces a tax credit for eligible farmers, defined as those whose federal gross income from farming is at least two-thirds of their excess federal gross income, amounting to twenty percent of the tax imposed under specific chapters of the general statutes.

The bill also addresses shellfish harvesting regulations, including confidentiality for tag identification information and changes to the licensing process for shellfish harvesters. It prohibits the use of devices other than hand power for dredging shellfish on licensed boats and increases the weight and capacity limits for dredges. Furthermore, it establishes a Manure Management Grant Program and bans the sale or use of fertilizers and soil amendments containing PFAS. The enforcement of these regulations will be a collaborative effort between the Commissioner of Energy and Environmental Protection and the Commissioner of Agriculture. Overall, the bill aims to bolster agricultural practices, support farmers through tax incentives, and ensure environmental protection in agricultural operations.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-111c, 22-111bb
ENV Joint Favorable Substitute: 22-111c, 22-111bb
File No. 671: 22-111c, 22-111bb
APP Joint Favorable: 22-111c, 22-111bb
FIN Joint Favorable: 22-111c, 22-111bb
JUD Joint Favorable: 22-111c, 22-111bb
Public Act No. 25-152: 22-111c, 22-111bb, 12-91, 26-192k, 26-212, 26-213, 26-232, 26-207, 26-209, 26-215, 26-192l